🌱 1. Meaningful Relationships
Deep, authentic connections with others (family, friends, community)
Feeling seen, valued, and supported
Giving love and receiving it in return
“Happiness is only real when shared.” – Into the Wild
🧠 2. A Sense of Purpose
Having something bigger than yourself to contribute to — whether it’s work, parenting, creativity, service, or learning
Feeling like your life has direction and impact
🙏 3. Gratitude & Presence
Being able to appreciate the moment you're in — even small joys like sunlight, laughter, or a kind word
Gratitude rewires the brain toward joy and contentment
⚖️ 4. Balance of Challenge & Mastery
Doing things that stretch you, but also make you feel competent and engaged
Flow states, learning, and meaningful work all feed this
🌿 5. Self-Acceptance & Inner Peace
Feeling at home in yourself — not perfect, but whole
Accepting your flaws, forgiving your past, and nurturing your own growth
🌎 6. Contribution & Kindness
Helping others, even in small ways, creates deep fulfillment
Acts of generosity have a bigger happiness effect than spending on yourself
🧘 7. Health & Simplicity
Movement, rest, nourishing food, time in nature
Happiness tends to grow in quieter, slower environments than we expect
🔁 Bonus: Not Chasing It All the Time
Ironically, the constant pursuit of happiness often creates disappointment.
True happiness tends to emerge when we:
Let go of comparison
Accept the full range of human emotion
Stop chasing and start being
💬 In short:
Happiness isn’t found — it’s cultivated through connection, purpose, presence, and alignment between your inner values and outer life.
Enjoy the Simple Moments, Sherry
